Build Your Mental Fitness with a Coach
Like a lot of people, when I hear about Mental Health Awareness, I instinctively think about the need to support people who are experiencing mental and emotional suffering. Building our compassion and support systems for those in need is a critical element of any healthy society. And, just as with physical health, treating illness and suffering is only part of the work to be done. Just like caring for your body and developing physical fitness, strengthening your mental and emotional fitness is an integral part of mental health.
As a coach, I sometimes liken myself to a personal trainer. It’s not a perfect analogy, but I am aware that the partnership I create with my clients is designed to help them build the mental and emotional “muscles” they desire to live a healthier, happier, more content life.
These metaphorical “muscles” include:
- self-awareness
- resiliency
- stress-management
- mindset
- motivation
The personal trainer does not lift the weights for you, or run the miles for you, but they guide you to do the work necessary. Coaching is similar in this way. I never tell people what to do, how to feel, what choices to make, or where to focus their attention. Instead, I guide them to “do the reps” of looking inward, noticing patterns, setting intentions, and making choices.
Coaching works if you come to it willingly and commit to doing the work. During this Mental Health Awareness month, what are you doing to build your mental fitness? As a member of UT Southwestern faculty, you have direct access to a professionally trained coach, free of charge. For more information, visit our website.
Mike Caracalas
Professional Executive Coach
michael.caracalas@utsouthwestern.edu
About the Author
Before becoming a professional coach with his own Leadership Coaching firm, Mike Caracalas worked for Sun Microsystems and YUM! Brands in training, HR, and leadership development. He holds a B.A. in psychology, M.A. in organizational psychology, CPCC (Certified Professional Co-Active Coach), and PCC (Professional Certified Coach).